Pujols, Lincecum join Haiti effort

MLB stars unite to support earthquake victims

Albert Pujols and Tim Lincecum joined a group of football, basketball and hockey players to record a public-service announcement for "One Team 4 Haiti," a coalition formed by the unions for the four major sports in North America to generate support for earthquake victims.

Pujols and Lincecum recorded their lines in a meeting room at the New York Hilton on Saturday several hours before they received their respective awards for National League Most Valuable Player and Cy Young from the Baseball Writers Association of America during its annual banquet.

The "One Team 4 Haiti" coalition is raising funds and awareness in association with the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund. In the PSA, Pujols and Lincecum appeal to the public to support the relief effort by texting the word "TEAM" to 20222 which will trigger a $10 donation ($5 in Canada) to the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund, which provides 100 percent of proceeds directly to relief efforts.

Coghlan visiting troops in Middle East: NL Rookie of the Year Chris Coghlan was among the representatives of the Marlins who traveled to the Middle East on Sunday for a week-long visit with troops in Kuwait and Iraq.

"This isn't necessarily for us, but when we walk away we'll probably get more out of it than we ever thought we would have," Coghlan told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "For the troops, whatever we can do to take their minds off the everyday life they live over there and war ... try to give them peace of mind if that's for an hour or for a day, that's what we're going there for."

The visit was arranged through Armed Forces Entertainment.

Tejada held in high regard by Markakis: Count Nick Markakis among the Orioles players excited to have Miguel Tejada back on the club.

"If there's anybody in baseball you'd want on your team, it's him," Nick Markakis told MLB.com. "He's got high energy, and he wants to win every day. He goes out there, and he plays every day. He had that streak going when he was with us in 2007. Unfortunately he got hit by a ball and broke his hand, but he wants to be out there every day, and those are the kinds of guys you want on your team. I can't wait for Spring Training just to see him."

"What the Cubs have to offer, I'm totally OK with," Gomes told the Chicago Sun-Times. "They're asking for a fourth outfielder, and others are looking to start. I'm just looking to get in there. And I think it would be great to get back with [manager] Lou [Piniella]. I know how hard he is on young players and expects a lot, but we built a pretty good relationship in Tampa."

Victorino proud to be part of the core: With two straight trips to the World Series and a new three-year contract, Shane Victorino feels like a Phillie.

"It definitely gives me a sense of what this organization wants," Victorino told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "You become one of the guys that help this organization build and be a representative of the future. I'm very excited for the opportunity."

Lincoln preparing for permanent roster spot: Brad Lincoln is aiming for a spot on the Pirates' 25-man roster when Spring Training breaks.

"I'm going to go in thinking I want to make the team out of the spring," Lincoln told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I don't want to wait for a midseason callup. I've put in hours every day -- on the field and in the gym -- and I'm doing that because I want to show them that's what I deserve."

Pence signs one-year deal with Astros: Hunter Pence and the Astros agreed to a one-year contract on Sunday.

Pence, who was named to his first National League All-Star team in 2009, hit .282 with 25 home runs and 72 RBIs last season. In the field, the right fielder led all Major League outfielders with 16 assists.

"We're pleased to have it done," Astros general manager Ed Wade told MLB.com. "There's no question that Hunter's on his way to having a tremendous career, and we're fortunate to have him on our club. We're going to see Hunter step up in a big way for us from the standpoint of performance and leadership. I think he's poised at this point in time to become a real leader on the club, and we're happy to get a deal done."

Lee taking positive outlook in Seattle: Cliff Lee told the Seattle media that he was taken by surprise when the Phillies traded him to the Mariners five weeks ago.

"Through the media, it may have looked like I didn't want to be traded to the Mariners," Lee told the Seattle Times, "but that wasn't the case at all. It was just shock. I wasn't prepared for that. I was thinking I was going to sign an extension with the Phillies. It caught me off guard. It's reality now. It took a little while to set in, but I'm making the best of it. I think it's going to be a good thing for me and my career. I think it's going to work out for the better."

Hall vying for roster spot with Rangers: The Rangers have signed veteran Toby Hall to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. Hall has played in 686 career games in nine seasons but missed all of last season after having surgery on his right shoulder to repair a torn labrum.

"He's a good guy who knows the league and has good makeup," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels told MLB.com. "We'll see where he is. He wants to show us he's healthy and can compete for a job."

Millwood brings experience, leadership to Baltimore: Kevin Millwood knows he can offer the Orioles a couple of different things -- good pitching and solid leadership -- and plans on doing both.

"I just want to pitch, and when I'm done pitching, whatever I can do to help some of the younger guys out, I'll do it," Millwood told the Baltimore Sun. "I don't want to be a guy that throws things in guys' faces. I wouldn't demand anything, obviously, but anything I can do to help make them better, I'm all for it."

Trade sends Matthews to Mets, Stokes to Angels: The Mets acquired Gary Matthews Jr. from the Angels in exchange for Brian Stokes. Matthews hit .250 with four home runs as the Angels' fourth outfielder last year.

"There's an opportunity for him to come into New York and hopefully be able to get more playing time," Mets general manager Omar Minaya told MLB.com. "I think the key for him is going to be playing time."

Stokes, meanwhile, adds depth to a bullpen that lost both Darren Oliver and Jose Arredondo from last year's squad.

"He can be a back-end-of-the-bullpen guy or a middle reliever," Angels pitching coach Mike Butcher told the Los Angeles Times. "He's definitely a good arm to have."

Jackson on track to get leadoff nod in Spring Training: Jim Leyland wants to get a good look at Austin Jackson as a leadoff hitter during Spring Training.

"I assume starting off that Jackson's going to probably lead off in Spring Training to see what he looks like," Leyland told MLB.com on Saturday at TigerFest. "I'm not really sure who's going to hit second just yet. We'll take a look at it."

Jackson, acquired in the trade that sent Curtis Granderson to the Yankees, batted .300 with 23 doubles, nine triples, 65 RBIs and a .354 on-base percentage last year at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the Yankees system. He stole 24 bases in 28 attempts.